Historical Methods and Sources
This course is intended to introduce students to the theory and practice of history. Students will read several different examples of historical writing. They will reflect on the reasons for writing and studying history, the importance of collective and individual memory, and the role of narrative in relation to identity. They will also examine the problems with historical memory, the dangers of historicism, and the transformation in the concept of history with the rise of “scientific” historiography. Students can expect to gain significant conceptual nuance about history, which they can then apply to their own research.
Areas of Study: History and Methods
Required/ Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Admission into a Program of Study
Instructor: Dr. Joydeep Bagchee
How Hindu Dharma Transformed America
Race and Hindu Reform Course Content:
Our aim is to trace the encounter between Hinduism and the Western historicist episteme, how Hindu thinkers responded to the incursion of this episteme, and how their responses shaped contemporary Hinduism. We shall particularly focus on the role of an English-speaking elite in this process, especially those active in the major reform movements, Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj. Throughout, we shall contrast traditional modes of self-relation, guided by ethical reflection and individual self-discipline (askesis), with modern views of Hinduism, including its cultural, nationalistic, and assimilated expressions. For critical perspectives, we shall look at the work of Weber, Arendt, Fanon, and others.
Course Objectives
In this course students will be able to:
1. Extend and apply their understanding of the concept of race.2. Understand how colonization impacted Hindu society.
3. Reexamine the role of social reformers and modernizers in shaping modern India.
Class Structure
There will be a minimum of 3 contact hours with the faculty every week.
Areas of Study: History & Methods
Required/ Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Must have enrolled in Orientation to Hindu Studies or Completed Orientation to Hindu Studies
This course is the second part of a two-part course sequence that begins with HAM6403-Race and Modern Hinduism. However, with the faculty’s permission, students may take these courses in either sequence i.e. begin with Race and Hindu Reform and then take Race and Modern Hinduism.
Instructor: Dr. Joydeep Bagchee
Day: Sunday
Start Date:-18th July 2021
End Date:- 26th September 2021
Time:- 10:00 am EST 01:00 pm EST
Quarter: Summer 2021
Readings in Modern Hinduism
Reconstructing Hindu History – The Commissions
Reconstructing Hindu History – The Omissions
